United States – In continued defiance of the international community and UN Security Council Resolution 2231, the Iranian regime fired off a space launch vehicle today. Such vehicles incorporate technologies that are virtually identical and interchangeable with those used in ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles. Today’s launch furthers Iran’s ability to eventually build such … Continue reading United States | Iran’s Firing of Space Launch Vehicle Defies International Community→

TEHRAN, Iran— Jan 13, 2019—The head of Iran’s nuclear program said the Islamic Republic has begun “preliminary activities for designing” a modern process for 20-percent uranium enrichment for its 50-year-old research reactor in Tehran, signaling new danger for the nuclear deal. The comment on state television Sunday from Ali Akbar Salehi increases the pressure on … Continue reading TEHRAN, Iran | Nuclear chief says Iran exploring new uranium enrichment→

JERUSALEM —Jan 13, 2019— Israeli troops discovered the sixth and final tunnel dug by Hezbollah militants for cross-border attacks, the military announced Sunday, saying it was wrapping up its operation along the Lebanese border. Military spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said the final tunnel was the largest one discovered so far, running hundreds of meters … Continue reading JERUSALEM | Israel finds last tunnel, ending mission on Lebanese border→

KINSHASA, Congo — Jan 12, 2019—The ruling coalition of Congo’s outgoing President Joseph Kabila has won a large majority of national assembly seats, the electoral commission announced Saturday, while the presidential election runner-up was poised to file a court challenge alleging fraud. The national assembly majority sharply reduces the chances of dramatic reforms under the … Continue reading KINSHASA, Congo | Congo’s ruling coalition retains power in national assembly→

JERUSALEM — Israel’s prime minister on Thursday asked the international community to impose additional sanctions on Hezbollah and condemn the Lebanese militant group in response to the discovery of tunnels stretching from southern Lebanon into northern Israel. Stepping up an international pressure campaign against Hezbollah, Israel also hosted the commander of a U.N. peacekeeping force, … Continue reading JERUSALEM | Israel calls for international response to Hezbollah tunnels→

CAIRO — A prominent Yemeni rights group has documented heavy damage from ground fighting and airstrikes to at least 34 archaeological sites over the past four years and urged the international community to protect Yemenis’ “collective memory.” In a lengthy report titled “The Degradation of History” released Thursday, Yemen’s Mawatana Organization for Human Rights collected … Continue reading CAIRO | Report details damage to ancient Yemeni archaeological sites→

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Saudi Arabia said early on Friday that it has contributed $100 million to northeast Syria for “stabilization projects” in areas once held by the Islamic State group and now controlled by U.S.-backed forces. The Saudi Embassy in Washington said the money “will save lives, help facilitate the return of displaced … Continue reading Saudi Arabia says it’s given $100 million to northeast Syria→